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Rotation could get boost soon with Lewis, Perez

Rangers manager Ron Washington and pitching coach Mike Maddux talk about Colby Lewis' resilience and their desire to get him back by June

By Jim Reeves
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Special to MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- Not that Rangers pitching isn't more than holding its own, leading the American League with a 3.09 ERA heading into Saturday night's game against the Red Sox, but reinforcements are just around the corner if needed.

Right-hander Colby Lewis, recovering from Tommy John surgery performed July 27, threw 27 pitches in a two-inning stint at extended spring workouts Saturday and had no problems.

Depending on how he feels Sunday, Lewis is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Round Rock in Las Vegas.

Martin Perez, who suffered a broken left wrist in Spring Training, will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco in Midland on Monday night.

Rookies Justin Grimm (2-1, 2.28) and Nick Tepesch (2-2, 3.54) have filled in admirably for the Rangers, to the point where Washington may soon have a glut of riches and some difficult decisions to make.

"Those are the kind of problems you love to have," Washington said, "but these things have a way or working themselves out. "

Jim Reeves is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.